» Editor’s Picks

Grooveshark | “UBO Tribute to Michael Jackson”

UBO Editor — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 13:00:21 +0000

When it comes to online music or streaming music there’s AccuRadio, Rhapsody, Napster and Pandora and I have used just about all of them to listen to music online but my new favorite service is Grooveshark. It is the self proclaimed way to listen to any song in the world for free.

What I really love about Grooveshark is the ability to find exactly what songs or artists you like and create playlists based on your favorite songs that play uninterrupted. So no annoying commercials just music. You can also do other cool things like listen to other people’s playlists, add your own music and add share your playlists by email or in your blog.

In honor of the King of Pop music Michael Jackson and a month to the day since his untimely passing I created a Grooveshark playlist of my favorite songs. It’s quite comprehensive and covers songs from the Jackson 5, The Jacksons , duets and Mike as a solo artist. I hope you enjoy!

Celebrity Hair Stylist Darico Jackson

Product Review: JLife’s Perfect Wave | “Define & De-frizz Your Curls”

UBO Editor — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 01:30:58 +0000

JLife Hair Care

I was contacted to try a product from Jlife Hair Care. I had never heard of Jlife so I quickly hit the Internet to find out as much as I possibly could. The creation of the line is based on renowned celebrity stylist Andrew Jose wanting to simplify the hair industry. He felt hair styles and the products required to maintain them had become way too complicated for real people and even hairstylists. So in turn Jose created products with the base ingredient of Sea Moss that would each serve a purpose and deliver on it’s claims.

Instead of a styling product that just enables hair to be sculpted Jlife makes products that also keep hair looking healthy and shiny. Key ingredients include: Red Sea Weed (to provide moisture and conditioning), red algae (add volume), hydrolyzed wheat protein (increase shine, durability and moisture), sugar cane juice (soften hair & reduce static), vitamin e extracts for strength and pro vitamin b-5 for light conditioning.

I was sent a styling product: Perfect Wave- a defrizzing curl definition styler. It’s recommended use is to apply to hair before round brushing which I did. Was I impressed? No. But I did discover that this product has another use. First let me tell you about my hair. It’s shoulder-length, chemically-relaxed and I do love my flat iron. I decided to use it on my hair dry before I used my flat iron to do a flip. I applied about a dime-sized amount to my hair especially the ends. Perfect Wave is the combination of a gel and a shine serum. Not greasy but light and it has great slip and didn’t leave any residue or film on my hair. The fragrance of the product reminds me of a lovely unisex fragrance; something women wouldn’t mind their hair smelling like and men wouldn’t be embarrased having their hair smell like.

I was amazed at how my flip lasted throughout the day. And this was a rainy and misty day where my hair got drizzled on several times without it frizzing up or even falling and it even maintained a nice sheen. I thought ok now let me try this without using this product and see what my hair will do? And it was quite a stark contrast. Without using Jlife’s Perfect Wave my hair fell and even frizzed a little bit. So if it’s a misty, drizzly or humid day and you want to get your hair to behave and not fall prey to the moisture; ask your stylist about Jlife’s Perfect Wave.

I still have yet to use this product for creating curls so look for another review coming soon letting you know how it performed for a wet set.

(JLife Perfect Wave Styler, retail $18.00)

Find out more about Jlife Haircare

Scrubs on ABC |”What’s New on TV in January”

UBO Editor — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:38:11 +0000

I don’t watch that much television. Much of what comes on doesn’t excite me at all; but one show that stole my heart is “Scrubs”. I discovered it on one of the many televisions stations that has it running in syndication about two seasons ago. This lead to me recording every episode from its last two seasons and then I heard at the end of last season that it’s future was uncertain. I was quite distraught to learn that the show that I had just discovered may be over and done with. But now it’s back and on ABC. I don’t really know why NBC saw fit to give it the boot but who cares it’s their loss. I love the humor, the diverse cast and the easy way it can turn on a dime, become serious and cause you to think.

So if you haven’t watched an episode of “Scrubs” or lost interest when the last season ended, you can catch season 8 starting on ABC tonight @ 9:00 and 9:30.

Check out a little Q&A about the new season of “Scrubs”…..

Picture courtesy of givememyremote.com

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Kathy Van Zeeland Handbags | “Affordable Luxury”

UBO Editor — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:45:34 +0000

Fashionistas looking to stay on trend and not spend a lot are clamouring to buy Kathy Van Zeeland bags. I got my first Kathy Van Zeeland bag as a gift and was totally surprised by the heft of the bag and the amount of carefully placed details like the cute polished hardware and studs. Her bags vary from rocker edgy, to avant garde to romantic and cute so matter your fashion aesthetic you’re sure to find something that works for you. What I really love is most of her bags are under $100 bucks but they don’t look it.

Check out the newest additions to her collection:

The “Apollo” collection is all about gorgeous color, bold hardware and multiple pockets for all your essentials. The “shopper” is a full sized purse not gigantic but roomy enough to fit anything you could possibly need while out for the day. (Kathy Van Zeeland “Apollo” Belt Shopper, $89.00)

The “Apollo” in a satchel shilouette is a must-have handbag. We love the attentions given to this shape with organizational pockets, pops of patent leather and the handbag color of the season – white.(Kathy Van Zeeland “Apollo” Top-Zip Roll Bag, $79.00)

Kathy brought to life the quilted trend in a medium, glossy, patent tote. Stay organized with its inside pockets and a detachable case.(Kathy Van Zeeland “Lotus” Medium Tote, $89.00)

Patchwork bags are big this season and Kathy has dedicated a whole line in this seasons color palette in celebration.The tiny pebbled texture makes the patchwork pop. (Kathy Van Zeeland Patched Up III Belt Shopper, $95.00)

Her new “Rock and Roll” Collection introduces new details and hardware outside of the typical Kathy Van Zeeland handbag hardware. With buckles and large eyelets these bags will add a definited edge to your look. (Kathy Van Zeeland Rock&Roll Shopper, $99.00)

Learn more about Kathy Van Zeeland and see all of her bags

Bag, Borrow or Steal | “Kick Up Your Fashion Game”

The Daily Plate | “It Helped Me Lose 20 Pounds”

UBO Editor — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 15:30:39 +0000

It’s seven months into the year and where are you in your resolution to lose a few pounds? I admit that in January I resolved to lose some weight and started on my journey January 22. My method involved writing down everything I ate and while searching to find the amount of calories in an apple I found a web site called The Daily Plate. I signed up for free account (just to try it out) and used it to log all the food I ate and all the workouts I did. The result is that I’m twenty pounds lighter and still counting.

What I really love about this site is that it makes it easy to count calories. Just type in what you ate and you will find that members of this site have already entered all the nutritional information for you so just point and click and add it to your plate for the day. I weighed myself weekly,entered my weight and it recalculated the number of calories I needed to eat everyday to keep losing weight automatically. If your not trying to lose weight and just want to eat healthy you can still use The Daily Plate because it keeps track of your sodium intake, fat intake and protein etc..etc.. the features are endless.

I know there are so many diets out there and it can be frustrating and confusing to find what works for you but The Daily Plate makes it easy because it’s built on the simple principle that in order to lose wieght you have to expend more calories than you consume and when you use it you will be able to discern if you are doing that and when you do you lose weight.

I know, it can be a pain in the butt to have to input into the website every morsel you put in your mouth and every session on the treadmill but it was so worth it when I was able to toss my size 14 jeans for a size 10. Now my size 10′s are getting baggy.

Just try it. (Eat smarter, lose weight or mainatain your weight loss @ The Daily Plate)

Olay Daily Facials | “Travel-Approved Skin Care”

Aphogee Two-Step Protein Treatment | “Repair Damaged Hair in an Instant”

UBO Editor — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:30:23 +0000

I heard about the Aphogee Two-Step Protein treatment while browsing around on folica.com. What I love about this web site is that you can get tons of unsolicited reviews about all kinds of hair products and tools which can help you decide if a product is really worth your money before you buy.

About 90% of the reviews were positive where women raved about their hair after they used the treatment. The other 10% said they lost hair or the treatment didn’t improve their hair at all. So with those odds I decided to try it and I’m so glad I did. The people at Aphogee recommend the treatment if your hair is:

Is too weak or fine to take a perm or relaxer. (use the week PRIOR to service)
Is over-bleached.
Will not hold color. (use PRIOR to color application)
Breaks when combed or brushed.
Is mushy when wet and brittle after drying.

The treatment is two step process that includes the protein treatment and then the Aphogee Balancing Moisturizer. I must stress you have to use both products together. Do not just get the protein conditioner and use a conditioner you already have at home because the Aphogee Balancing Moisturizer is formulated to work with the protein.

Aphogee Two-Step Protein Treatment

The Aphogee two-step protein treatment is unlike any protein treatment I’ve used. It’s a bit sticky and smells of apple cider vinegar. What’s so different about it is it makes you hair helmet hard but don’t worry that’s the protein bonding to your hair. When your hair is totally dried (preferably by sitting under the dryer) then you get to rinse it out and make sure you do it thoroughly.
(APHOGEE Treatment for Damaged Hair Stops Breakage Rebuilds Hair Structure 4oz/118ml)

Aphogee Balancing Moisturizer

Once your done rinsing your hair apply the moisturizer and let sit for a few minutes and then rinse. The moisturizer is formulated with collagen amino acids and silk amino acids and restore moisture back to the hair after the intensive protein treatment which is critical.(Aphogee Balancing Moisturizer Improves Shine & Manageability 8oz/237ml)

(Editor’s Pick: This is a line I have always been aware of but never tried but I am now a customer for life. I’ve tried a lot of products but my hair after this treatment was unbelievable. Let me explain why. I have 4B relaxed hair that goes past my shoulders. I work out a lot so my hair is constantly exposed to sweat and salt. I am seven weeks post touchup and trying to stretch my touchups out to 10 weeks apart. I used Creme of Nature shampoo to wash my hair and felt a big difference after rinsing out the protein but nothing earth shattering. I applied the Balancing Moisturizer and my hair felt nice and smooth but nothing out of the ordinary. I used Lottabody setting lotion to roller set my hair, sprayed it with ORS Olive Oil Sheen Spray, got under the dryer and then wrapped my hair and went back under the dryer. The next day I flat ironed my hair and used a bit of BB Growth oil before I started. My hair was very soft, silky and the shine for being seven weeks post touchup was amazing and the amount of hair I usually lose when detangling my hair wet and combing once dry was dramatically reduced. I love this stuff.)

Discover all of Aphogee’s products
Also pick up Aphogee at Sally’s Beauty Supply

Skin Tight Extra Strength | “The Secret to Soft, Smooth & Clear Skin”

UBO Editor — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 17:30:17 +0000

In the summertime we want to show a little more skin so we shave, wax and pluck a little more. But all of these acts can leave skin irritated or even prone to ingrown hairs and the dreaded razor bumps. If you’re a consistent plucker, waxer or shaver there is one product you have to keep in your bathroom at all times and that is Skin Tight. This skin saver is formulated with Willow Bark Extract, Tea Tree Oil, Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter and Vitamins A & E and if used twice a day will leave your skin bump free so say bye bye to those pesky ingrown hairs and unslightly bumps.( Find out more about B & C Skin Tight 4 oz. Extra Strength (For Razor Bumps), $14.59)

See More Skin Tight Skin Care Products

(Editor’s Pick: I am the tank top queen so I shave a lot. I discovered Skin Tight through my husband and was amazed. I wanted the arms pits of the celebrities, you know the pits that are the same color and texture of the rest of the body and show not a trace of any irritating hair removal methods. I thought if it’s good enough for my husband’s bald head and face it’s good enough for my arm pits and I was not dissappointed. No more irritation or bumps, the skin softened and the skin tone evened up. Another big plus of using Skin Tight is that you will not stink. I’m not joking it also works as a deodorant. After I apply it I don’t worry about wetness or odor and ordinarily that is not the case. Oh and ladies if you have a man in your life with razor bumps even the severe ones that look painful get this for him or direct him to the site. He’ll thank you for it.)

The Unbraider | “Remove Braids with Ease”

UBO Editor — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 21:05:30 +0000

Have you ever had to clear a whole weekend to take down braids? Have you created makeshift tools to help you take out your braids like pens, rat tail combs, toothbrushes and the like? If so then stress no more. Glamour Devine has the Unbraider a tool that makes removing braids a cinch. Instead of taking days to take out a head full of braids how about 2-3 hours and voila all your braids are gone with no wrist pain.

To take care of your hair while it’s braided Glamour Devine has also created a whole hair care system that works perfectly with the Unbraider. There’s No More Itch Shampoo a gentle shampoo formulated to cleanse yet not strip your hair of natural oils and invigorate the scalp with Peppermint Oil and Tea Tree Oil.

Comb Out & Soft Conditoner is not only to be used when removing braids but as a daily maintenance spray to condition the hair, soothe an itchy, dry scalp and prevent breakage.

Used together you have a complete scalp and hair care system that nutures and allows your hair to grow while braided in micros, individuals, cornrows or a sew-in weave.

(Get your unbraider, shampoo and comb out conditioner with taxes and shipping & handling paid @ theUnbraider.com, $24.95)

Yellow Tail Wine | “Pre-tense Free Wine”

UBO Editor — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 20:44:07 +0000

Yellow Tail is a great little Australian wine that is garnering quite a fan base. It’s a wine minus the fancy name and price tag but with full flavor and a great back label that tells you exactly what to expect from the wine in taste and ideal food pairings. Yellow Tail wine is not too acidic, flavorless or too dry. So put down the White Zinfandel and explore the different types of Yellow Tail like a Shiraz, Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot for a low price. (Find Yellow Tail in your local supermarket for around $6.00,depending on bottle size,or visit the website @ yellowtail.com or just order online from Wine.com)

UBO Steal: Save $5 on your order of $75 or more at Wine.com. Enter code 5JUNE at checkout. Offer expires 6.30.08.

90 point wines under $20 at Wine.com. Shop Now!

(Editor’s Pick: This is the only brand that leaves me wanting to try every type of wine that they make. The Riesling was awesome with chicken and sweet potato risotto and the Chardonnay was great all alone. They have so many flavors that you can find a bottle for every kind of dinner from romantic candlelit italian dinners to summertime barbecues.)

Spanx | “Smooth, Lift and Look Your Absolute Best”

UBO Editor — Tue, 20 May 2008 22:45:44 +0000

Lately it’s been all about the bra. Like is it the right size and how finding the right one can totally change how you look in your clothes. Well now it’s time to take care of the rest of you. Spanx addresses the lower part of your body and what’s really different about Spanx is that they’re less constricting than other foundation wear. You see they’re more like pantyhose but they have amazing holding power to get rid of your pooch or gut and keep you looking nice and smooth. They also and get rid of those dreaded panty lines without flattening out your booty. What’s even better Sara Blakely ,the creator, has even more great products that hold in muffins tops and suppress love handles.

(Want Spanx? Order online or find a retailer selling Spanx near you @ spanx.com)

(Editor’s Pick: Spanx are a personal pick. I’ve worn them for years and used them to get the body I’m working towards at the gym to look good right now. I strongly suggest you pick out the right size to get the most support without cutting off your circulation. So know your weight and height exactly then purchase accordingly.)

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